Choose seven-card-stud poker in preference to five-card poker. Five-card offer limited opportunity to use your ability as it is worth staying in only if you are dealt a strong first hand.

In seven-card-stud poker stay in after the first three cards if you have: three-of-a-kind, a high pair, a middle pair, a small pair and a high card, three to a possible straight, three to a possible flush.

In stud poker on the last two bets and in draw poker on the bet before the draw, calculate the odds against you (how likely your cards will improve), and if the return is greater than the odds (making a relatively small bet for a big pot), make the bet.

Hands that are heavily favored to win, even without improvements, are known as 'Locks'. With a lock hand keep as many players as possible in the pot for as long as possible.

In Caribbean Stud Poker, bet (raise) if:

You have a pair or better.

The dealer shows 10 or less and matches one of yours, and you have an Ace-King or better.

The dealer's card is less than your fourth highest card and you have an Ace-King or better.

The dealer's card is an Ace or King and you have a pair of six or better.

You cant loose what you don't put in the middle. If the smart play is fold... Fold. - (Submitted by visitor)

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